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BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Board of Speech-Language Pathology And Audiology

(Amendment)

201 KAR 17:027.Supervision requirements and caseload limitations of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants.

RELATES TO:

KRS 334A.033

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

KRS 334A.033(1)(b), 334A.080

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT:

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:

KRS 334A.080(3) requires the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to promulgate responsible administrative regulations, including administrative regulations which delineate qualifications for licensure and renewal of licensure. KRS 334A.033(1)(b) requires the board to promulgate administrative regulations to set forth supervision requirements for speech-language pathology assistants (SLP-As). This administrative regulation establishes those requirements.

Section 1.

The supervision requirements specified in this administrative regulation shall be the minimum requirements.

(1)

The supervisor shall design and provide a supervision system that protects pupil welfare and maintains the highest possible standards of quality speech-language pathology services.

(2)

The supervisor may require additional supervision based on the experience of the speech-language pathology assistant, the pupils served, and the physical or geographic proximity to the supervisor.

(3)

As the supervisory responsibility of the supervisor increases, the direct service responsibilities of the supervisor shall decrease. However, in no event shall direct service responsibilities be less than the hours required by KRS 334A.033(1)(b)2., 3. and 4.

Section 2.

Treatment for the pupils served shall remain the responsibility of the supervisor. The level of supervision required shall be the ~~minimum~~ level necessary for the supervisor to retain direct contact with the pupils.

Section 3.

Each SLP-A~~speech-language pathology assistant~~ shall be required to have direct supervision in accordance with their years of experience as defined in KRS 334A.033(1)(b)2., 3., and 4. Specifically, an SLP-A with less than three (3) years of full-time experience shall receive no less than two (2) hours per week of documented direct supervision and two (2) hours per week of indirect supervision from an appropriate supervisor; and, an SLP-A with three (3) or more years of full-time experience shall receive no less than one (1) hour per week of documented direct supervision and one (1) hour per week of indirect supervision from an appropriate supervisor, unless in the professional judgment of the supervisor, a higher level of supervision is necessary to avoid compromising the quality of services provided to students. The direct and indirect hours of supervision delineated above may be adjusted proportionately for less than full-time employment, but in no event shall supervision be less than one (1) hour per week of documented direct or indirect supervision from an appropriate supervisor during any week worked.~~This ensures that the supervisor shall have direct contact time with the speech-language pathology assistant as well as with the pupil.~~

(1)

Direct supervision shall be considered to be on-site, in-view observation and guidance as a clinical activity is performed. A speech-language pathology assistant shall be supervised by either:

(a)

A speech-language pathologist licensed by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; or

(b)

An Education Professional Standards Board master's level certification as a teacher of exceptional children in the areas of speech and communication disorders.

(2)

Supervision shall provide information about the quality of the SLP-A's~~speech-language pathology assistant's~~ performance with assigned tasks and verify that clinical activity is limited to tasks specified in the speech-language pathology assistant's scope of responsibilities.

(3)

Information obtained during direct supervision may include data relative to:

(a)

Accuracy in implementation of screening, diagnostic, and treatment procedures;

(b)

Agreement between the assistant and the supervisor on judgment of target behavior;

(c)

Accuracy in recording data; and

(d)

Ability to interact effectively with the pupil.

Section 4.

Each SLP-A~~speech-language pathology assistant~~ shall also be required to receive indirect supervision in accordance with their years of experience as defined in KRS 334A.033(1)(b)2., 3. and 4. Indirect supervision may include:

(1)

Demonstration;

(2)

Record review;

(3)

Review and evaluation of audio or videotaped sessions; or

(4)

Supervisory conferences that may be conducted by telephone or other audio or audio-video technology.

Section 5.

Direct and indirect supervision shall be required for each speech-language pathology assistant and shall be documented on a weekly basis. Additional direct and indirect supervision may be necessary depending on the experience of the assistant and the needs of the pupil.

Section 6.

An SLP-A~~A speech-language pathology assistant~~ shall not provide direct services when a supervising speech-language pathologist cannot be reached by personal contact, phone, or some other immediate means.

Section 7.

If, for any reason, including maternity leave, illness, or a change of jobs, the supervisor is no longer available to provide the level of supervision stipulated, the speech-language pathology assistant shall not provide service until a fully qualified speech-language pathologist has been designated as the SLP-A's~~speech-language pathology assistant's~~ supervisor.

Section 8.

Although more than one (1) supervisor may provide supervision of a speech-language pathology assistant, a supervisor shall not be listed as the supervisor of record for more than two (2) SLP-As~~speech-language pathology assistants~~, in accordance with KRS 334A.033(1)(c). If multiple supervisors are used, each supervisor shall be responsible for that portion of the caseload specifically assigned to the supervisor ~~that is theirs.~~

Section 9.

The maximum number of pupils served by the SLP-A~~speech-language pathology assistant~~ shall not exceed the caseload established for a speech-language pathologist by administrative regulation.

Section 10. (1)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works four (4) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed fifty-two (52) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As~~speech-language pathology assistants~~, and works four (4) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section. ~~according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).~~

(2)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works three (3) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed thirty-nine (39) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As~~speech-language pathology assistants~~, and works three (3) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section. ~~according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).~~

(3)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works two and one-half (2 1/2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed thirty-two (32) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As~~speech-language pathology assistants~~, and works two and one-half (2 1/2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section.~~according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).~~

(4)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works two (2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed twenty-six (26) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As~~speech-language pathology assistants~~, and works two (2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section.~~according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).~~

(5)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works one (1) day a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed thirteen (13) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As~~speech-language pathology assistants~~, and works one (1) day a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section. ~~according to the provisions set forth in KRS 334A.190(2).~~

Section 11.

Any change in supervision for an SLP-A shall be reported to the board utilizing the "Change in Supervision", form DPL-SLPA-07, incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:025.

201 KAR 17:027

MARGARET ADKINS, Au.D., CCC-A, Board Chair

APPROVED BY AGENCY: July 15, 2026

FILED WITH LRC: July 16, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.

PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on October 27, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. noon Eastern Time, at the Mayo-Underwood Building, 500 Mero Street, Frankfort, Kentucky in PPC Conference Room 127CW. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through October 31, 2026. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx or the contact person.

CONTACT PERSON: Name: Sara Boswell Janes, Title: Staff Attorney III, Agency: Department of Professional Licensing, Office of Legal Services Address: 500 Mero Street Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Fax: (502) 564-4818 Email: Sara.Janes@ky.gov Link to public comment portal: https://ppc.ky.gov/reg_comment.aspx.

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT

Contact Person:

Sara Boswell Janes Phone Number: (502) 782-2709 (office) Email: sara.janes@ky.gov

Subject Headings:

Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology, Licensing, Occupations and Professions, Boards and Commissions

(1) Provide a brief summary of:

(a) What this administrative regulation does:

This regulation establishes caseload and supervision requirements for speech language pathology assistants.

(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:

This regulation is necessary to implement the provisions of KRS 334A.033.

This regulation is in conformity as the authorizing statute gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally.

(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:

This regulation will assist the board in administering the program by identifying the caseload and supervision requirements for speech-language pathology assistants.

(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:

(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:

The amendment replaces "speech-language pathology assistant" with the acronym "SLP-A" which is known in the profession in an effort to reduce distraction by the repetition of words; clarifies certain provisions to ensure the enabling statutes are fortified; more clearly defines direct and indirect supervision requirements; includes appropriate statutory references where appropriate; adds language from statutes rather than references in an effort to assist the regulated entity in understanding the requirements; and, adds the required form for a change in supervision incorporated by reference in 201 KAR 17:012.

(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:

The amendment is necessary to clarify and streamline caseload limitations and supervision requirements, and to incorporate the form for change in supervision.

The amendment to this administrative regulation is in conformity with the authorizing statute that gives the board the ability to promulgate regulations generally regarding licensure requirements.

(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:

The amendment to this administrative regulation will assist the board in administering this program by clarifying supervision and caseload requirements for licensees, and add the required form for material incorporated by reference accordingly.

(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?

No.

(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:

This regulation will affect the SLP-As in some capacity, and will also affect new applicants for SLP-A licensure, as well as their supervisors.

(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:

(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:

No new actions are required.

(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):

There are no new costs associated with this amendment.

The entities will benefit from the clarification of the supervision and caseload requirements for compliance with licensure requirements.

(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:

(a) Initially:

There are no new costs initially.

(b) On a continuing basis:

There are no new costs on a continuing basis.

(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:

The board’s operations are funded by fees paid by credential holders and applicant.

(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:

There is no increase in fees or funding necessary to implement this administrative regulation.

(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:

There is no establishment of any fees directly or indirectly.

(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?

(Explain why or why not) Tiering is not applied to this regulation as it applies to all applicant license types.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:

. KRS 334A.080(3).

(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:

KRS 334A.080(3).

(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:

(a) The Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology is the promulgating agency and the only affected state unit, part or division.

(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):

1. Expenditures:

For the first year:

None.

For subsequent years:

None.

2. Revenues:

For the first year:

None.

For subsequent years:

None.

3. Cost Savings:

For the first year:

None.

For subsequent years:

None.

(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):

None anticipated.

(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):

1. Expenditures:

For the first year:

N/A

For subsequent years:

N/A

2. Revenues:

For the first year:

N/A

For subsequent years:

N/A

3. Cost Savings:

For the first year:

N/A

For subsequent years:

N/A

(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):

None anticipated.

(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):

1. Expenditures:

For the first year:

N/A

For subsequent years:

N/A

2. Revenues:

For the first year:

N/A

For subsequent years:

N/A

3. Cost Savings:

For the first year:

N/A

For subsequent years:

N/A

(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)

(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:

There is no fiscal impact.

(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:

Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.

(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):

(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):

This regulation will not have a major economic impact.

(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:

Methodology and resources used are the fiscal department within the Public Protection Cabinet, Department of Professional Licensing.

BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS

Board of Speech-Language Pathology And Audiology

(Amendment)

201 KAR 17:027.Supervision requirements and caseload limitations of Speech-Language Pathology Assistants.

RELATES TO:

KRS 334A.033

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

KRS 334A.033(1)(b), 334A.080

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT:

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:

Section 1.

The supervision requirements specified in this administrative regulation shall be the minimum requirements.

(1)

The supervisor shall design and provide a supervision system that protects pupil welfare and maintains the highest possible standards of quality speech-language pathology services.

(2)

The supervisor may require additional supervision based on the experience of the speech-language pathology assistant, the pupils served, and the physical or geographic proximity to the supervisor.

(3)

Section 2.

Treatment for the pupils served shall remain the responsibility of the supervisor. The level of supervision required shall be the level necessary for the supervisor to retain direct contact with the pupils.

Section 3.

Each SLP-A shall be required to have direct supervision in accordance with their years of experience as defined in KRS 334A.033(1)(b)2., 3., and 4. Specifically, an SLP-A with less than three (3) years of full-time experience shall receive no less than two (2) hours per week of documented direct supervision and two (2) hours per week of indirect supervision from an appropriate supervisor; and, an SLP-A with three (3) or more years of full-time experience shall receive no less than one (1) hour per week of documented direct supervision and one (1) hour per week of indirect supervision from an appropriate supervisor, unless in the professional judgment of the supervisor, a higher level of supervision is necessary to avoid compromising the quality of services provided to students. The direct and indirect hours of supervision delineated above may be adjusted proportionately for less than full-time employment, but in no event shall supervision be less than one (1) hour per week of documented direct or indirect supervision from an appropriate supervisor during any week worked.

(1)

Direct supervision shall be considered to be on-site, in-view observation and guidance as a clinical activity is performed. A speech-language pathology assistant shall be supervised by either:

(a)

A speech-language pathologist licensed by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology; or

(b)

An Education Professional Standards Board master's level certification as a teacher of exceptional children in the areas of speech and communication disorders.

(2)

Supervision shall provide information about the quality of the SLP-A's performance with assigned tasks and verify that clinical activity is limited to tasks specified in the speech-language pathology assistant's scope of responsibilities.

(3)

Information obtained during direct supervision may include data relative to:

(a)

Accuracy in implementation of screening, diagnostic, and treatment procedures;

(b)

Agreement between the assistant and the supervisor on judgment of target behavior;

(c)

Accuracy in recording data; and

(d)

Ability to interact effectively with the pupil.

Section 4.

Each SLP-A shall also be required to receive indirect supervision in accordance with their years of experience as defined in KRS 334A.033(1)(b)2., 3. and 4. Indirect supervision may include:

(1)

Demonstration;

(2)

Record review;

(3)

Review and evaluation of audio or videotaped sessions; or

(4)

Supervisory conferences that may be conducted by telephone or other audio or audio-video technology.

Section 5.

Section 6.

An SLP-A shall not provide direct services when a supervising speech-language pathologist cannot be reached by personal contact, phone, or some other immediate means.

Section 7.

Section 8.

Although more than one (1) supervisor may provide supervision of a speech-language pathology assistant, a supervisor shall not be listed as the supervisor of record for more than two (2) SLP-As, in accordance with KRS 334A.033(1)(c). If multiple supervisors are used, each supervisor shall be responsible for that portion of the caseload specifically assigned to the supervisor

Section 9.

The maximum number of pupils served by the SLP-A shall not exceed the caseload established for a speech-language pathologist by administrative regulation.

Section 10. (1)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works four (4) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed fifty-two (52) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As, and works four (4) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section.

(2)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works three (3) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed thirty-nine (39) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As, and works three (3) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section.

(3)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works two and one-half (2 1/2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed thirty-two (32) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As, and works two and one-half (2 1/2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section.

(4)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works two (2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed twenty-six (26) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As, and works two (2) days a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section.

(5)

(a)

The caseload for a speech-language pathologist who works one (1) day a week, or the equivalent number of hours, in the public school system shall not exceed thirteen (13) pupils.

(b)

The caseload of a speech-language pathologist who supervises SLP-As, and works one (1) day a week, or the equivalent number of hours in the public school system may be increased by no more than one-half (1/2) of the amount established in subsection (1)(a) of this section.